Imitation Handbags and Terrorism

By Ivan Delta

In most major towns in the world, there is an active and very rewarding shadow economy in fake consumer goods that generates upwards of 500 bln dollars a year. If have ever been down to' Counterfeit Alley' in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the most important counterfeit marketplaces in the world. While many folks spend our waking hours lusting after the newest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without absolutely appreciating the effects.

I recently read a book called "Knockoff", written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags.

These days, it appears I cannot go anywhere without seeing someone carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse. Personally, I've always resisted the urge to get a counterfeit purse. I have evaded the temptation typically because such an action only enfeebles a sector I have grown to love. When one considers the cost of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as barely a surprise that some people purchase fakes.

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money is supporting future terrorist attacks in America and abroad. This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legit firms. Have you ever stopped to think about where the cash you spend on fake end-user products ends up? This book will provide you with some horrifying insights. The' black market' in counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources for criminal organizations, and these associations actually do not have the general public interest at heart.

One of the most disturbing ideas in the book was the suggestion that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits gained from these illegal sales to support future attacks. I could not sleep at night if I thought I was supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America, or anywhere else for that matter.

I am definitely a firm believer in being a conscientious customer, and supporting corporations that are attempting to make the world a better place. I will readily pay three times the cost of a fake purse, to make sure that my cash isn't supporting terrorism. Check out'Knockoff' when you have a chance . It is a real eye-opener. - 29959

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